Probiotic Sports Nutrition Compositions

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to nutritional compositions comprising lactic acid-producing bacteria.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 13/434,401, filed Mar. 29, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/469,924, filed Mar. 31, 2011, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to sports nutrition compositions comprising lactic acid-producing bacteria.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The gastrointestinal microflora plays a number of vital roles in maintaining gastrointestinal tract function and overall physiological health. The growth and metabolism of the many individual bacterial species inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract depend upon the substrates available to them, most of which are derived from the diet.

Probiotic organisms are non-pathogenic, non-toxigenic microorganisms that are beneficial to the host organism. Since probiotics do not generally permanently colonize the host, they are typically ingested regularly for health promoting properties to persist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the discovery that lactic acid-producing bacteria, particularly Bacillus coagulans, improve the absorption of protein compositions as well as micronutrient compositions. The microorganisms, e.g., spores remain viable, retain their beneficial probiotic properties, and increase metabolism and/or absorption of protein in sports nutrition compositions. Unlike other probiotic bacteria that die in the stomach or small intestine, the probiotic organisms described herein, e.g., Bacillus coagulans strain GBI-30 or BC³⁰, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086, germinate in the stomach and/or small intestine. Accordingly, the invention describes probiotic sports nutrition compositions. The invention provides an isolated Bacillus coagulans bacterium (e.g., a spore) in sports nutrition compositions. In some cases, the composition comprises at least 15% protein. For example, the composition comprises at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% or more of a purified or processed protein (e.g., protein extracted from a food-stuff) and a Bacillus coagulans spore.

The compositions described herein are suitable for consumption by a mammal, e.g., any mammal, e.g., a human, a primate, a mouse, a rat, a dog, a cat, a cow, a horse, or a pig. In a preferred embodiment, the mammal is a human. For example, the invention includes a method of enhancing lean muscle development or increasing lean body mass by administering to a subject a composition comprising a Bacillus coagulans spore in a composition comprising at least 85% purified, processed, and/or isolated protein. The subject is a human being that desires to increase muscle development, strength, or lean body mass, or an animal, e.g., livestock or performance animal such as a work animal or a race horse, for which an increase in muscle development or strength is desired. The compositions are also useful to confer clinical benefit to individuals that are suffering from or at risk of developing a muscle wasting condition, e.g., cachexia, as a result of disease such as cancer or infection.

The invention provides a composition comprising a sports nutrition composition and an isolated Bacillus coagulans spore (e.g., in an amount of 1×10⁶ to 1×10¹⁴ colony forming units (CFU) of Bacillus coagulans per unit dose. For example, the isolated Bacillus coagulans comprise between about 0.000001% to about 50% by weight of the composition, e.g., about 1%, about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, or about 50% by weight of the composition. For example, the isolated Bacillus coagulans comprise between about 0.00001% and about 25% by weight of the composition, e.g., about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, or about 25% by weight of the composition. In one example, one unit dose, e.g., one serving, comprises one billion CFU Bacillus coagulans and 20-25 grams of protein (e.g., 23 grams of whey protein) in 30 grams of powder. The balance of the composition optionally comprises nutritionally inactive ingredients such as excipients, fillers, preservatives or nutritionally active ingredients such as vitamins or minerals.

The invention also provides bacterial species including Bacillus coagulans, e.g., Bacillus coagulans hammer, preferably Bacillus coagulans hammer strain Accession No. ATCC 31284, or one or more strains derived from Bacillus coagulans hammer strain Accession No. ATCC 31284 (e.g., ATCC Numbers: GBI-20, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6085; GBI-30 or BC³⁰, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086; and GBI-40, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6087; see U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,256 to Farmer).

Optionally, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a spore. Alternatively, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a vegetative cell. In another aspect, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a mixture of vegetative cells and spores. The Bacillus coagulans is predominantly in spore form, e.g., about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% spores. Alternatively, the Bacillus coagulans is predominantly in vegetative form, e.g., about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% vegetative cells.

Provided is an isolated Bacillus coagulans and a sports nutrition composition. In some cases, the compositions described herein comprise a large amount of calories per unit dose to assist a subject in gaining weight, e.g., muscle weight or fat weight. A unit dose of the compositions described herein is the amount of composition administered to a consumer in a single dose, i.e., one serving. Unit-dose packaging is the packaging of a single dose, e.g., in a non-reusable container. For example, a unit dose refers to a physically discrete unit suitable as unitary dosages for an individual, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier, diluent, or excipient. Suitable packaging includes single or multiple unit dosages.

Compositions that provide a large amount of calories to assist a subject in gaining weight are referred to as “weight gainers.” In these cases, the composition comprises between about 100 and about 10,000 food Calories (kcal) per unit dose (i.e., serving), e.g., between 250 and 5,000 kcal, between 500 and 3,000 kcal, between 750 and 2,500 kcal, or between 1,000 and 2,000 kcal, e.g., about 1,000 kcal, about 1,100 kcal, about 1,200 kcal, about 1,300 kcal, about 1,400 kcal, about 1,500 kcal, about 1,600 kcal, about 1,700 kcal, about 1,800 kcal, about 1,900 kcal, or about 2,000 kcal. One exemplary amount of calories is 1,230 kcal. Alternatively, the compositions do not comprise a large amount of calories. For example, the compositions comprise between about 10 and 500 kcal, e.g., between about 20 and 250 kcal, between about 50 and 200 kcal, or between about 100 and 150 kcal, e.g., about 100 kcal, about 110 kcal, about 120 kcal, about 130 kcal, about 140 kcal, or about 150 kcal. One exemplary amount of calories is about 150 kcal.

Preferably, the composition comprises protein. For example, the protein comprises about 1% to about 99% by weight of the composition, e.g., about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95% by weight of the composition. For example, the composition comprises between 1 gram and 500 grams of protein, e.g., about 10 grams, about 15 grams, about 20 grams, about 25 grams, about 30 grams, about 35 grams, about 40 grams, about 45 grams, about 50 grams, about 55 grams, about 60 grams, about 65 grams, about 70 grams, about 75 grams, about 80 grams, about 85 grams, about 90 grams, about 95 grams, about 100 grams, about 150 grams, about 200 grams, about 250 grams, about 300 grams, about 350 grams, about 400 grams, about 450 grams, or about 500 grams of protein. One exemplary composition comprises about 62% protein. For example, the composition comprises about 39 total grams, of which about 24 grams is protein. Another exemplary composition comprises about 65% protein. For example, the composition comprises about 31 total grams, of which about 20 grams is protein. Another exemplary composition comprises about 15% protein. For example, the composition comprises about 325 total grams, of which about 50 grams is protein. A typical protein composition comprises about 50-100% protein such as whey protein. For example, a unit dose comprises 1 billion CFU of Bacillus coagulans and 23 grams of whey protein in a total of 30 grams of powder.

In one aspect, the sports nutrition composition comprises purified or processed protein, such as soy protein, whey protein, rice protein, hemp seed protein, casein protein or milk protein. Preferably, the protein comprises whey protein. The protein comprises an amino acid selected from the group consisting of isoleucine, alanine, leucine, arginine, lysine, aspartate, aspartic acid, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, glycine, valine, proline, histidine, serine, tyrosine, asparagine, selenocysteine, pyrrolysine, glutamate, glutamic acid, and glutamine. Optionally, the sports nutrition composition comprises an isolated Bacillus coagulans and protein, and further comprises creatine, calcium, sodium caseinate, whey peptides, or lactoferrin. Alternatively, the invention provides an isolated Bacillus coagulans and a sports nutrition composition selected from the group consisting of creatine, calcium, sodium caseinate, whey peptides, and lactoferrin.

The compositions optionally further comprise additional ingredients selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, sugar, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, vitamin D, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum.

An exemplary composition comprises glucose polymer, a protein blend (i.e., whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, egg albumin, milk protein isolate, and partially hydrolyzed whey protein), rice protein concentrate, brown rice concentrate, taurine, L-glutamine, non-dairy creamer (i.e., sunflower oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate, mono- and diglycerides, dipotassium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, soy lecithin, and tocopherols), natural and artificial flavors, xantham gum, calcium citrate, potassium citrate, dipotassium phosphate, cellulose gum, tricalcium phosphate, magnesium aspartate, rice starch, carrageenan, vitamin-mineral blend (i.e., ascorbic acid, niacinamide, d-Alpha tocopheryl succinate, d-calcium pantothonate, zinc citrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, ferrous fumarate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, manganese amino acid chelate, beta-carotene, copper gluconate, folic acid, biotin, potassium iodide, chromium polynicotinate, molybdenum amino acid chelate, selenomethionine, cyanocobalamin, and cholecalciferol), GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086), sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and lactase.

Another exemplary composition comprises the following ingredients: whey protein concentrate, brown rice protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, egg albumin, milk protein isolate, partially hydrolyzed whey protein, glucose polymer, taurine, L-glutamine, nondairy creamer (i.e., sunflower oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate, mono- and diglycerides, dopotassium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, soy lecithin, and tocopherols), dicalcium phosphate, natural and artificial flavors, xanthan gum, cellulose gum, carrageenan, lecithin, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, lactase, and GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086).

The compositions contain active ingredients, e.g., protein and GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086), and inactive ingredients, e.g., excipients, binders, or fillers. Fillers fill out the size of the compositions, making it practical to produce and convenient for the consumer to use. By increasing the bulk volume, the fillers make it possible for the final product to have the proper volume for consumer handling. Suitable fillers include xantham gum, cellulose gum, lecithin, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, calcium carbonate, and magnesium stearate.

In some cases, the compositions do not comprise certain ingredients. For example, the composition does not include a sugar (e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose, maltose or lactose), gluten, aspartame, and/or artificial coloring.

Exemplary forms for the compositions described herein include a protein powder, a ready to drink protein shake, a protein bar, a protein bite, and a protein gel.

The invention provides compositions comprising a dry mix for sports nutrition compositions comprising an isolated Bacillus coagulans bacterium and a sports nutrition composition. The dry mix is between 0.01% and 50% Bacillus coagulans bacterium, e.g., about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 35%, about 45%, or about 50% Bacillus coagulans bacterium. In some cases, the dry mix is about 15% Bacillus coagulans bacterium. For example, about 100 pounds of dry mix contains about 15 pounds of Bacillus coagulans bacterium and about 85 pounds of sports nutrition composition. Optionally, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a spore. Alternatively, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a vegetative cell. In another aspect, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a mixture of vegetative cells and spores. Preferably, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a spore. More preferably, the bacterium is present as at least 80% spores, e.g., at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, or at least 99% spores.

Bacterial species suitable for use in the methods describe herein include Bacillus coagulans, e.g., Bacillus coagulans hammer, preferably Bacillus coagulans hammer strain Accession No. ATCC 31284, or one or more strains derived from Bacillus coagulans hammer strain Accession No. ATCC 31284 (e.g., ATCC Numbers: GBI-20, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6085; GBI-30 or GANEDEN BC-30™, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086; and GBI-40, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6087; see U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,256 to Farmer).

In some cases, the dry mix also includes a protein selected from the group consisting of soy protein, whey protein, rice protein, hemp seed protein, and casein protein. In other cases, the sports nutrition composition also includes creatine, calcium, sodium caseinate, whey peptides, and lactoferrin.

Methods of enhancing lean muscle development, recovery, or repair are carried out by administering to a subject desiring an enhancement of the lean muscle development, recovery or repair the compositions described herein, e.g., a composition comprising a sports nutrition composition and an isolated Bacillus coagulans spore, wherein the composition comprises at least 80% protein. The composition is optionally administered prior to or after an exercise period. For example, the composition is administered within 60 minutes of an exercise period, e.g., within 15 minutes, within 30 minutes, or within 45 minutes. Alternatively, the composition is administered within 2 hours, within 5 hours, or within 8 hours of an exercise period.

The absorption of the protein is increased in the subject after the administration of Bacillus coagulans in combination with protein as compared to the absorption of the protein after the administration of protein in the absence of Bacillus coagulans. For example, the rate of absorption (t_(MAX)) or overall absorption (from area under the curve (AUC)_(0-4h) and C_(MAX)) are increased after the administration of Bacillus coagulans in combination with protein as compared to after the administration of protein in the absence of Bacillus coagulans, as measured by changes in amino acid levels in, e.g., blood over a one hour test period, a two hour test period, a four hour test period, an eight hour test period, a twelve hour test period, or a twenty-four hour test period. For example, protein absorption is increased by at least 10%, 50%, 2-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, or more following administration of protein and Bacillus coagulans compared to protein without Bacillus coagulans.

The absorption of a vitamin is increased in the subject after the administration of Bacillus coagulans in combination with protein as compared to the absorption of the vitamin after the administration of protein in the absence of Bacillus coagulans. Exemplary vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₃, vitamin B₅, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₇, vitamin B₉, vitamin B₁₂, or vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K₁.

In other cases, the absorption of a chemical element is increased in the subject after the administration of Bacillus coagulans in combination with protein as compared to the absorption of the chemical element after the administration of protein in the absence of Bacillus coagulans. Exemplary chemical elements include sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Optionally, the Bacillus coagulans aids in the digestion of the sports nutrition composition, e.g., protein. For example, abdominal bloating, intestinal pain, passage of gas, loose bowel movements, and excessive abdominal gurgling are reduced following consumption of protein and Bacillus coagulans compared to the consumption of protein without Bacillus coagulans. However, subjects ingesting the product preferably have not been diagnosed with gastrointestinal disease or an inflammatory bowel condition.

The compositions are also useful in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of conditions associated with gastrointestinal infection by various pathogens, thereby supporting digestive health. The probiotic sports nutrition compositions of the invention are also used in the methods described herein for boosting the immune system. In some cases, the combination of Bacillus coagulans and protein works synergistically resulting in an enhanced inhibition of pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, as compared to the administration of either Bacillus coagulans or protein alone. In other cases, the combination of Bacillus coagulans and protein works synergistically resulting in an enhanced boost of the immune system, as compared to the administration of either Bacillus coagulans or protein alone.

Optionally, the compositions of the invention additionally comprise L-alanine and/or inosine to promote the germination of the spores in the stomach and/or small intestine.

A probiotic lactic acid-producing bacteria suitable for use in the methods and compositions of the invention produces acid and is non-pathogenic. Purified and/or isolated Bacillus coagulans is particularly useful as a probiotic in the compositions described herein. By “purified” or “substantially purified” is meant a Bacillus coagulans bacterium that is substantially free of contaminating microorganisms or other macromolecules, e.g., polysaccharides, nucleic acids, or proteins.

Purified defines a degree of sterility that is safe for administration to a human subject, e.g., lacking infectious or toxic agents. Specifically, as used herein, an “isolated” or “purified” Bacillus coagulans or protein is substantially free of other cellular material, culture medium, chemical precursors, or other chemicals when chemically synthesized. Purified compounds are at least 60% by weight (dry weight) the compound of interest. Preferably, the preparation is at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 99%, by weight the compound of interest. Purity is measured by any appropriate standard method, for example, by column chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, or HPLC analysis.

The Bacillus coagulans Hammer strains of the invention are non-pathogenic and generally regarded as safe for use in human nutrition (i.e., GRAS classification) by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the Bacillus coagulans Hammer strains of the invention germinate at or below human body temperature, rendering them useful as probiotics. Many Bacillus coagulans strains outside the Hammer group have mostly industrial applications, little or no nutritional benefit, and environmental contaminants that have not been evaluated for safety. Moreover, many other non-Hammer strains of Bacillus coagulans grow optimally at temperatures that exceed human body temperature and, thus, do not germinate efficiently in the human body. Such strains are less or not suitable as probiotics for human consumption.

The transitional term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. By contrast, the transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof, and from the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, Genbank/NCBI accession numbers, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The probiotic organisms of the invention are non-pathogenic, non-toxigenic, retain viability during storage, and survive passage through the stomach and small intestine. Non-pathogenic lactic acid-producing bacteria (i.e., “lactic acid bacteria”), such as the exemplary Bacillus coagulans, remain viable and retain their beneficial probiotic properties in sports nutrition compositions. Prior to the invention described herein, probiotics were very susceptible to harsh environment of the stomach and small intestine. Unlike other probiotics that die in the stomach or small intestine, the probiotic organisms described herein, e.g., Bacillus coagulans strain GBI-30 or GANEDEN BC-30™, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086, germinate in the stomach and/or small intestine. Specifically, the probiotic spores described herein can survive passage through the stomach and small intestine.

Probiotic Lactic Acid-Producing Bacteria

The sports nutrition compositions include a lactic acid-producing bacterium, such as a spore-forming Bacillus species, e.g., B. coagulans. Preferably, the spore-forming Bacillus species of the invention is B. coagulans Hammer. There are many suitable bacteria identified as described herein, although the invention is not limited to currently known bacterial species insofar as the purposes and objectives of the bacteria is described. The property of acid production is important to the effectiveness of the probiotic lactic acid-producing bacteria of this invention.

Exemplary methods and compositions are described herein using Bacillus coagulans as a probiotic. Purified and/or isolated Bacillus coagulans is particularly useful as a probiotic in sports nutrition compositions. Probiotic B. coagulans is non-pathogenic and is generally regarded as safe (i.e., GRAS classification) by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and by those skilled in the art.

Bacillus coagulans is a non-pathogenic gram positive spore-forming bacteria that produces L(+) lactic acid (dextrorotatory) in fermentation conditions. It has been isolated from natural sources, such as heat-treated soil samples inoculated into nutrient medium (Bergey's Manual off Systemic Bacteriology, Vol. 2, Sneath, P. H. A., et al., eds., Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Md., 1986). Purified B. coagulans strains have served as a source of enzymes including endonucleases (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,336), amylase (U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,180), lactase (U.S. Pat. No. 4,323,651), and cyclo-malto-dextrin glucano-transferase (U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,800). B. coagulans has been used to produce lactic acid (U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,164). A strain of B. coagulans (referred to as L. sporogenes; Sakaguti & Nakayama (ATCC 31284)) has been combined with other lactic acid producing bacteria and B. natto to produce a fermented food product from steamed soybeans (U.S. Pat. No. 4,110,477).

Bacterial species include Bacillus coagulans, e.g., Bacillus coagulans hammer, preferably Bacillus coagulans hammer strain Accession No. ATCC 31284, or one or more strains derived from Bacillus coagulans hammer strain Accession No. ATCC 31284 (e.g., ATCC Numbers: GBI-20, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6085; GBI-30 (GANEDEN BC-30™), ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086; and GBI-40, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6087; see U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,256 to Farmer).

Bacillus coagulans was previously mis-characterized as a Lactobacillus and labeled as Lactobacillus sporogenes. However, initial classification was incorrect because Bacillus coagulans produces spores and excretes L(+)-lactic acid through metabolism. Both of these characteristics provide key features to the utility of Bacillus coagulans. These developmental and metabolic aspects required that the bacterium be classified as a lactic acid Bacillus. In addition, it is not generally appreciated that classic Lactobacillus species are unsuitable for colonization of the gut due to their instability in the harsh (i.e., acidic) pH environment of the bile, particularly human bile. By contrast, Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6085; GBI-30 (GANEDEN BC-30™) is able to survive and colonize the gastrointestinal tract in the bile environment and even grow in this low pH range.

Probiotic Activity of Bacillus coagulans

It is well-documented clinically that many species of bacterial, mycotic and yeast pathogens possess the ability to cause a variety of gastrointestinal disorders including, but not limited to disruption of normal gastrointestinal biochemical function, necrosis of gastrointestinal tissues, and disruption of the bioabsorption of nutrients, and like conditions. The probiotic microorganism-containing compositions described herein inhibit these pathogens. In the present case, subjects are generally healthy, e.g., they have not been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disease (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease), an inflammatory bowel condition, or an autoimmune disease. The compositions and methods described herein are useful to increase absorption of protein and/or macro nutrients in a nutritional composition.

In one aspect, a Bacillus coagulans strain is included in the composition in the form of vegetative cells. In another aspect, the Bacillus coagulans strain is included in the composition in the form of spores. The invention also provides for including the Bacillus coagulans strain in the composition in the form of a powder, a dried cell mass, a stabilized paste, or a stabilized gel.

Because Bacillus spores are heat and pressure-resistant and can be stored as a dry powder, they are particularly useful for formulation into and manufacture of products such as the various sports nutrition compositions described herein. Specifically, the probiotic organisms described herein, e.g., Bacillus coagulans strain GBI-30 or GANEDEN BC-30™, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086, survive passage through the stomach and small intestine. A Bacillus species is well suited for the present invention, particularly species having the ability to form spores which are relatively resistant to heat and other conditions, making them ideal for storage (shelf-life) in product formulations, e.g., sports nutrition compositions. Due to the shelf-stable properties of the Bacillus coagulans strains described herein, e.g., Bacillus coagulans strain GBI-30 or GANEDEN BC-30™, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086, the product formulations of the invention are not confined to a refrigerator and may be stored at room temperature. The Bacillus coagulans of the invention survives storage (shelf-life) from about 12 days to about 2 years; from about 1 month to about 18 months; from about 3 months to about 1 year; or from about 6 months to about 9 months.

The probiotic organisms described herein, e.g., Bacillus coagulans strain GBI-30 or GANEDEN BC-30™, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086, promote digestive and oral health and support the immune system. The ability of Bacillus coagulans to inhibit various bacterial pathogens was quantitatively ascertained by use of an in vitro assay. This assay is part of a standardized bacterial pathogen screen (developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)) and is commercially available on solid support disks (DIFCO® BACTROL® Antibiotic Disks). To perform the assay, potato-dextrose plates)(DIFCO® were initially prepared using standard procedures. The plates were then individually inoculated with the bacteria (approximately 1.5×10⁶ CFU) to be tested so as to form a confluent bacterial bed.

Inhibition of microorganisms (e.g. gastrointestinal pathogens) by Bacillus coagulans was subsequently ascertained by placing approximately 1.8×10⁶ CFU of Bacillus coagulans in 10 μl of broth or buffer, directly in the center of the potato-dextrose plate with one test locus being approximately 8 mm in diameter per plate. A minimum of three test loci were used for each assay. The negative control consisted of a 10 μl volume of a sterile saline solution, whereas the positive control consisted of a 1 μl volume of glutaraldehyde. The plates were then incubated for approximately about 18 hr at 30° C., at which time the zones of inhibition were measured. As designated herein, “excellent inhibition” means the zone was 10 mm or greater in diameter; and “good inhibition” means the zone was greater than 2 mm in diameter but less than 10 mm in diameter.

As expected, no “inhibition” was seen with the negative, saline control, and excellent “inhibition” (approximately 16.2 mm diameter; average of three tests) was seen with the positive, glutaraldehyde control. For the enteric microorganisms tested, the following inhibition by Bacillus coagulans was found: (i) Clostridium species—excellent inhibition; (ii) Escherichia coli—excellent inhibition; (iii) Clostridium species—excellent inhibition, where the zone of inhibition was consistently greater than 15 mm in diameter. Similarly, excellent inhibition was also seen for the opportunistic pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogenic enteric bacteria which were inhibited by Bacillus coagulans activity include, but are not limited to: Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus epidermidis; Streptococcus pyogenes; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Escherichia coli (enterohemorragic species); numerous Clostridium species (e.g., Clostridium perfingens, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium tributrycum, Clostridium sporogenes, and the like); Gardnereia vaginails; Proponbacterium aenes; Aeromonas hydrophia; Aspergillus species; Proteus species; and Klebsiella species.

Micro-Encapsulation

In one aspect, the lactic-acid producing bacteria are incorporated into a microcapsule coating prior to addition to the sports nutrition composition, using any micro-encapsulation process well-known in the art. The isolated Bacillus coagulans are packaged, or encapsulated, within another material in order to protect the bacteria from the surrounding environment. The capsules of the invention range in size from one-thousandth of a millimeter to seven millimeters. The internal ingredients of the microcapsule are released from their shells in various ways, including mechanical rupture of the capsule wall, dissolution of the wall, melting of the wall and diffusion through the wall. Thus, micro-encapsulation provides additional protection to the isolated Bacillus bacterium during manufacturing and storage of the sports nutrition compositions of the invention. Physical methods of micro-encapsulation include pan coating, air-suspension coating, centrifugal extrusion, vibrational nozzle, and spray-drying. Chemical methods of micro-encapsulation include interfacial polymerization, in-situ polymerization, and matrix polymerization.

Alternatively, the lactic-acid producing bacteria is added to the sports nutrition composition without micro-encapsulation.

Probiotic Sports Nutrition Compositions

The invention includes a method of increasing protein absorption, enhancing lean muscle development, and/or increasing lean body mass by administering to a subject a composition comprising a Bacillus coagulans spore in a composition comprising at least 50% purified or processed protein, e.g., a composition that contains at least 75% whey protein or other protein source. The sports nutrition compositions are suitable for human or animal consumption. A typical subject is a healthy adult, e.g., greater than 16 years old. Alternatively, the sports nutrition compositions may also be administered to children under 18 years of age, e.g., under 15 years of age, under 10 years of age, or under 5 years of age. Alternatively, the sports nutrition compositions are administered to children and adults of all ages. The subject is a human being that desires to increase muscle development, strength or lean body mass, or an animal, e.g., livestock or performance animal such as a work animal or a race horse, for which an increase in muscle development or strength is desired. The compositions are also useful to confer clinical benefit to individuals that are suffering from or at risk of developing a muscle wasting condition, e.g., cachexia, as a result of disease such as cancer or infection.

Sports nutrition compositions are prepared by mixing dry powder ingredients (e.g., protein and Bacillus coagulans). Sports nutrition compositions include bodybuilding or body maintenance foods, e.g., weight gainers, commonly used by those involved in bodybuilding and athletics. They include protein (the most widely used such sports nutrition composition), amino acids, glutamine, essential fatty acids, meal replacement products, prohormones, creatine, thermogenic products, testosterone boosters, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). The three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Unlike other amino acids, BCAAs are metabolized in the muscle and have an anabolic/anti-catabolic effects. BCAAs account for 33% of muscle protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which the body metabolizes in the stomach and intestines. Protein powder contains amino acids such as isoleucine, alanine, leucine, arginine, lysine, aspartate, aspartic acid, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, glycine, valine, proline, histidine, serine, tyrosine, asparagine, selenocysteine, pyrrolysine, glutamate, glutamic acid, and glutamine.

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in human muscle; however, the body's natural glutamine stores are depleted during anaerobic exercise. Thus, the sports nutrition compositions of the invention optionally include glutamine. Serum glutamine is used by the body to counteract acidosis resulting from exercise. In order to replenish the loss of glutamine from the bloodstream, the body catabolizes glutamine from the muscle. Thus, ingestion of glutamine combats muscle tissue wasting.

Suitable types of protein include soy protein, whey protein, rice protein, hemp protein, casein protein, and egg-white protein (e.g., egg albumin). Soy protein isolated from soybeans contains isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen. Whey protein contains high levels of all the essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. For example, the amino acids regarded as essential for humans are phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine, methionine, leucine, lysine, and histidine. Whey protein also has the highest content of the amino acid cysteine, which aids in the biosynthesis of glutathione. For this reason, whey protein provides amino acids to aid in muscle recovery. Whey protein is derived from the process of making cheese from milk. There are two types of whey protein: whey concentrate (29%-89% protein by weight) and whey isolate (90%+ protein by weight). Another type of protein includes rice protein, which is made from whole grain, a complete protein source that is highly digestible and allergen free. Hemp protein from hemp seed contains complete and highly-digestible protein. Hemp oil is high in essential fatty acids, i.e., alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). Casein protein (or milk protein) has glutamine, and casomorphin. Finally, egg-white protein is a lactose- and dairy-free protein.

Proteins come in various forms, including protein powder, ready to drink protein shakes, bars, bites, oats, and gels. Protein powders are available in a wide variety of flavors including pineapple, orange, fruit punch, mixed berry, mango, cookies and cream, strawberry, strawberry banana, French vanilla, vanilla, vanilla ice cream, vanilla milkshake, banana, banana cream, Dutch chocolate, mocha cappuccino, double rich chocolate, chocolate caramel, chocolate milkshake, extreme milk chocolate, chocolate mint, chocolate chip, and chocolate. The protein powder is mixed with water, milk or juice (e.g., grapefruit juice, grape juice, orange juice, etc.), and often flavoring, resulting in a form known as a “protein shake” (as in milkshake) or “pudding”. Protein powder is generally consumed immediately before or after exercising, or in place of a meal. The theory behind this regimen is that having a sufficient protein intake allows for efficient growth and repair of muscle tissue. Protein powders also aid in fat loss, muscle building, and slow the aging process.

Meal replacement products (MRPs) are either pre-packaged powdered drink mixes or edible bars designed to replace prepared meals. MRPs are generally high in protein, low in fat, have a low to moderate amount of carbohydrates, and contain a wide array of vitamins and minerals. The majority of MRPs use whey protein, casein (often listed as calcium caseinate or micellar casein), soy protein, and/or egg albumin as protein sources. Carbohydrates are typically derived from maltodextrin, oat fiber, brown rice, and/or wheat flour. Some MRPs also contain flax seed oil powder as a source of essential fatty acids.

Sports nutrition compositions may also contain other additional ingredients that are beneficial for bodybuilding, including calcium, sodium caseinate, whey peptide, glutamine peptides, L-glutamine, calcium alpha-ketoglutarate, additional amino acids, lactoferrin, conjugated linoleic acid, medium chain triglycerides, and creatine (e.g., creatine monohydrate). Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that is found in the muscle tissue of vertebrates mainly in the form of phosphocreatine replenishment of ATP, and supplies energy for muscle contraction. Creatine improves strength, energy, muscle mass, recovery times, brain function, and reduces mental fatigue. Creatine is available in a variety of forms, including creatine monohydrate and creatine ethyl ester.

Although it is known that athletes and bodybuilders may need an increased intake of protein, the exact amount is highly individualized and dependent on the type and duration of the exercise as well as the physiological make up of the individual. Research by Tarnopolsky et al. (1988) showed that for bodybuilding individuals, 1.97 g of protein per kg of body weight per day is recommended, whereas endurance athletes require 1.37 g/kg/d of protein. Studies suggest that there are different protein requirements for anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Endurance athletes in aerobic activity may have increased daily protein intake at 1.2-1.4 g per kg body weight per day, whereas strength training athletes performing anaerobic activity may have increased daily protein intake needs at 1.4-1.8 g per kg body weight so as to enhance muscle protein synthesis or to make up for the loss of amino acid oxidation during exercise.

Preferably, the sports nutrition composition ingredients are blended together as dry ingredients. Exemplary ingredients of the sports nutrition compositions described herein include protein and Bacillus coagulans. An exemplary strain of Bacillus coagulans suitable in the sports nutrition compositions described herein includes GBI-30 or GANEDEN BC-30™, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086.

The dry mix for sports nutrition compositions comprises an isolated Bacillus coagulans bacterium. The dry mix is approximately 1 billion CFU of Bacillus coagulans bacterium per unit dose. Optionally, the dry mix is about 15% Bacillus coagulans bacterium and 85% protein. For example, about 100 pounds of dry mix contains about 15 pounds of Bacillus coagulans bacterium and about 85 pounds of protein. The dry mix is between about 1% and about 50% by weight of the sports nutrition composition, e.g., about 1% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%; about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10% by weight of the sports nutrition composition. For example, a 3 gram sports nutrition composition contains about 7% dry mix by weight of the sports nutrition composition. A 3.8 to 4 gram sports nutrition composition contains about 8-9% dry mix by weight of the sports nutrition composition.

As the recommended dietary allowances (RDA or recommended daily intake; RDI) is about 1×10⁹ bacterium (according to EU guidelines), preferably, the sports nutrition composition comprises at least about 1×10⁹ viable bacteria. In another aspect, the sports nutrition composition comprises at least about 1×10⁶ to 1×10⁷; at least about 1×10⁷ to 1×10⁸; or at least about 1×10⁸ to 1×10⁹ viable bacteria.

The Bacillus and/or Bacillus coagulans in the form of a dried spore composition is mixed with dry whey powder or is applied using any of a variety of known methods including, for example, applying a powder, spray-drying the probiotic onto the sports nutrition composition, or soaking the composition in a solution containing the probiotic. Any of a variety of methods for placing the bacterial composition into a sports nutrition composition can be used. In one aspect, a “spray-dry” method is used, in which the compositions are exposed in a low humidity chamber to an atomized mix containing a liquid composition, where the chamber is subsequently exposed to approximately 80-110° F. to dry the liquid, thereby impregnating the material of the sports nutrition composition with the components.

In some cases, Bacillus coagulans bacteria in the form of a spray-dried powder is included in or on the surface of the sports nutrition compositions described herein. Preferably, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a spore, as the Bacillus coagulans spores of the invention are protected by a hardened coating that can withstand gastric acid and bile salts for delivery to the small and large intestines. The isolated Bacillus coagulans are at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% pure spores. Alternatively, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a vegetative cell. In one aspect, the isolated Bacillus coagulans are at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% pure vegetative cells. In another aspect, the isolated Bacillus coagulans is in the form of a mixture of vegetative cells and spores. The Bacillus coagulans mixture is 90% spores, 10% vegetative cells; 75% spores, 25% vegetative cells; 60% spores, 40% vegetative cells; 50% spores, 50% vegetative cells; 60% vegetative cells, 40% spores; 75% vegetative cells; 25% spores; or 90% vegetative cells, 10% spores.

In one aspect, the amount of bacteria is about 10⁴ to 10¹⁴ colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria per gram of probiotic composition (i.e., vegetative cells and/or bacterial spores), preferably 10⁵ to 10¹³ CFU/g of sports nutrition composition. Alternatively, the concentrations are 10⁸ to 10¹³ CFU/g; 10⁹ to 10¹² CFU/g; or 10¹⁰ to 10¹¹ CFU/g of sports nutrition composition. In one aspect, the amount of bacteria is about 1×10⁶ CFU per gram of sports nutrition composition. The actual amount in a sports nutrition composition will vary. A typical concentration is from approximately 1×10⁷ to 1×10¹² CFU; 1×10⁸ to 1×10¹¹ CFU; or 1×10⁹ to 1×10¹⁰ CFU of viable bacterium or spores/g of sports nutrition composition.

Following drying, the sports nutrition composition is ready for immediate use or for storage in a sterile package, e.g., a 3-ounce package (e.g., a bag or a bottle), a 6-ounce package, a 9-ounce package, a 12-ounce package, a 15-ounce package, an 18-ounce package, a 24-ounce package, a 48-ounce package, 80-ounce package, or 100-ounce package. In another example, the dried powder is packaged in unit dose quantities, e.g., 5 grams, 10 grams, 20 grams, 30 grams, 40 grams, 50 grams, 60 grams, 70 grams, 80 grams, 90 grams, or 100 gram packets. Alternatively, the dried powder is packaged in bulk, e.g., about 500 grams, about 600 grams, about 700 grams, about 800 grams, about 900 grams, about 1,000 grams, about 1,250 grams, about 1,500 grams, about 1,750 grams, about 2,000 grams, about 2,250 grams, about 2,500 gram, or about 3,000 gram containers. In one aspect, the invention provides for storing the sports nutrition composition in a sterile package at room temperature prior to consumption. Alternatively, the composition is consumed immediately.

The active ingredients (i.e., Bacillus coagulans and protein), comprise between about 0.01% to about 10%; 0.01% to about 1%; or about 0.05% to about 0.1% by weight of the probiotic sports nutrition composition. Optionally, the isolated Bacillus coagulans comprise about 1 mg to about 10 g; about 10 mg to about 1 g; or about 25 mg to about 75 mg by weight of the probiotic composition. Most preferably, the amount of Bacillus coagulans bacteria is about 5×10⁷ colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria per gram of food matrix.

In some cases, the Bacillus coagulans spores are incorporated into any type of dry or lyophilized product which is dissolved or mixed with water, milk, or juice, so long as the temperature of the Bacillus coagulans spore-containing mixture is raised to the required heat-shock temperature (i.e., 80° C. for 5 minutes) necessary for germination of the spores. The Bacillus coagulans spores may either be incorporated into the dry or lyophilized product by the manufacturer of the product or by the consumer during preparation.

The Bacillus coagulans spores survive storage (shelf-life), i.e., retain viability or the ability to germinate at physiological conditions (e.g., ingestion), from about 12 days to about 2 years; from about 1 month to about 18 months; from about 3 months to about 1 year; or from about 6 months to about 9 months.

Example 1: Preparation of Bacillus coagulans Cultures

Bacillus coagulans Hammer bacteria (ATCC Accession No. 31284) was inoculated and grown to a cell density of about 10⁸ to 10⁹ cells/ml in nutrient broth containing 5 g Peptone, 3 g Meat extract, 10-30 mg MnSO₄, and 1,000 ml distilled water, adjusted to pH 7.0, using a standard airlift fermentation vessel at 30° C. The range of MnSO₄ acceptable for sporulation is 1 mg/l to 1 g/1. The vegetative cells can actively reproduce up to 45° C., and the spores are stable up to 90° C. After fermentation, the B. coagulans bacterial cells or spores are collected using standard methods (e.g., filtration, centrifugation) and the collected cells and spores can be lyophilized, spray-dried, air-dried or frozen.

A typical yield from the above culture is in the range of about 10⁹ to 10¹⁰ viable spores and more typically about 100 to 150 billion cells/spores per gram before drying. Spores maintain at least 90% viability after drying when stored at room temperature for up to ten years, and thus the effective shelf life of a composition containing B. coagulans Hammer spores at room temperature is about 10 years.

Example 2: Preparation of Bacillus coagulans Spores

A culture of dried B. coagulans spores was prepared as follows. Ten million spores were inoculated into a one liter culture containing 24 g potato dextrose broth, 10 g of enzymic-digest of poultry and fish tissue, 5 g of FOS and 10 g MnSO₄. The culture was maintained for 72 hours under a high oxygen environment at 37° C. to produce culture having about 150 billion cells per gram of culture. Thereafter, the culture was filtered to remove culture medium liquid, and the bacterial pellet was resuspended in water and freeze-dried. The freeze-dried powder is then ground to a fine powder using standard good manufacturing practice (GMP). A dried composition that comprises at least about 75% (e.g., 80%, 85%, or 90%) spores is then mixed with protein powder.

Example 3: Bacillus coagulans Spores Survive in the Gastric Environment

This study was performed in order to determine the survivability rate of Bacillus coagulans spores as they pass through the stomach. Samples of Bacillus coagulans spores were subjected to a simulated gastric environment for varying lengths of time in order to attain their survivability rate. First, a homogeneous sample of raw material Bacillus coagulans of at least 12 grams was prepared. Saline solution at pH 1 was prepared using 3N HCl (150 mls each into six 250 ml media bottles) and sterilized. Additional saline solutions with pH 2 and 3 were prepared similarly, resulting in 6 sterile 250 ml bottles, each containing 150 ml pH adjusted saline. Six sterile 250 ml media bottles each containing 150 ml normal saline solution were prepared and sterilized. Phosphate buffer (˜400 ml) was prepared at pH 7.2. Test tubes (24) were prepared and sterilized, each containing 9 ml of phosphate buffer pH 7.2. Test tubes (120) were prepared, each containing 9 ml of normal saline. GYE (glucose-yeast extract) agar medium was prepared and sterilized and cooled to 45° C. in a water bath. Samples (24) of raw material were weighed, each ˜500 milligrams (theoretically equivalent to 10 billion spores). The samples were added to media bottles at 37° C. and incubated half for 20 minutes the other half for 120 minutes. After 20 and 120 minutes incubation, respectively, the samples were mixed to uniformity and pipet 1 ml into 9 ml of sterile phosphate buffer pH 7.2. After all 12 samples from each time point were placed into test tubes containing sterile phosphate buffer, serial dilutions were made until 6 tubes had been used for each sample. The final dilution for the final two test tubes were 3×10⁷ and 3×10⁸, which gave a count of roughly 300 and 30 CFU, respectively. The final 2 test tubes from each sample were placed into 70° C. water bath for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, they were cooled immediately to 45° C. Three sterile petri plates per tube were set out. 1.0 ml from the heat-treated tube was added into each petri plate, then 15 ml of sterile molten GYE Agar medium (at 45° C.) was poured into each of the petri plates and mixed thoroughly. When solidified, the plates were incubated in an inverted position for 48 hours at 40° C. The individual colonies were counted. Results were expressed as CFU per gram as shown in Table 1 below. 1.0E+10=1×10¹⁰.

TABLE 1 20 Minutes 120 Minutes Incubation Incubation Spore Count, Spore Count, Sample CFU/gram CFU/gram Normal Saline - A 1.90E+10 1.88E+10 Normal Saline - B 2.12E+10 2.00E+10 Normal Saline - C 1.64E+10 2.06E+10 Average 1.89E+10 1.98E+10 Saline pH 1.0 - D 2.08E+09 5.98E+07 Saline pH 1.0 - E 1.47E+09 0.00E+00 Saline pH 1.0 - F 3.59E+09 0.00E+00 Average 2.38E+09 1.99E+07 Saline pH 2.0 - G 3.63E+09 3.46E+09 Saline pH 2.0 - H 4.47E+09 2.48E+09 Saline pH 2.0 - I 3.58E+09 2.82E+09 Average 3.89E+09 2.92E+09 Saline pH 3.0 - J 1.65E+10 1.13E+10 Saline pH 3.0 - K 1.35E+10 1.11E+10 Saline pH 3.0 - L 1.80E+10 1.39E+10 Average 1.60E+10 1.21E+10

Example 4: The Effects of a Probiotic on the Absorption of Protein and Micronutrients in Healthy Males

The effects of the probiotic GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086) on protein and micronutrient absorption is evaluated in healthy males following a 14-day period. The protocol outlined below determines the effect of a probiotic product (GANEDEN BC-30™, Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086) in combination with protein as compared to protein in the absence of Bacillus coagulans on protein absorption, both rate of absorption (t_(M)) and overall absorption (from area under the curve (AUC_(0-4h)) and C_(Max)), as measured by changes in blood amino acid levels over a four hour test period. The protocol outlined below is also designed to determine the effect of a probiotic product (GANEDEN BC-30™, Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086) in combination with protein as compared to protein in the absence of Bacillus coagulans on vitamin and mineral absorption, both rate of absorption (t_(Max)) and overall absorption (from AUC_(0-4h) and C_(Max)), as measured by changes in blood levels of select vitamins (vitamins B6, B12 and C) and minerals (calcium, iron and zinc) over a four hour test period. The study also determines the effect of a probiotic product (GANEDEN BC-30™, Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086) in combination with protein as compared to protein in the absence of Bacillus coagulans on gastrointestinal (GI)-specific symptoms using a GI questionnaire after 14 days of treatment.

The period of evaluation lasts approximately four weeks with subjects attending a screening/randomization visit and two follow-up test visits. Eligible subjects take GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086) plus protein and protein alone, each for 14 days, in random order. After each 14-day period, there is a test visit at which subjects take the test product (probiotic plus protein or protein alone) and a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement. Blood is collected at baseline (prior to the test product) and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours following product administration. Levels of various amino acids, vitamins and minerals are measured so that the effects of the probiotic on protein and micronutrient absorption are determined. The probiotic increases the absorption of the protein and micronutrients by increasing the efficiency of the gut by balancing the intestinal flora or by increasing the acidity of the stomach for more efficient breakdown of the nutrients.

Although the study population is comprised of generally healthy adults that do not have GI disorders or symptoms, there may be beneficial effects in GI health with the administration of GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086). A six item questionnaire is used to assess changes in GI health (e.g. abdominal pain, bloating and gas) with lower incidence indicating positive effects with regard to GI health.

Study Design

The study described herein is a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover clinical trial. A total of 10 male subjects are enrolled, with each subject receiving the two test products, in a randomly-assigned sequence. Each subject serves as his own control.

Study Population:

The study population includes 10 male subjects, aged 21 to 60 years, that do not have any gastrointestinal disease or inflammatory bowel condition, and who are not taking on a regular basis any prescription or over-the counter medications for any gastrointestinal problems.

Test Products:

Product 1—GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans strain GBI-30, ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086) plus Protein. Product 2—Protein (placebo; no probiotic).

Duration of Study

Excluding the screening visit, each subject completing the study participates for approximately four weeks, ±three days.

Efficacy Assessments:

Efficacy variables consist of protein absorption [rate of absorption (t_(Max)) and overall absorption (AUC_(0-4h) and C_(Max)) of blood amino acids], vitamin absorption [rate of absorption (t_(Max)) and overall absorption (AUC_(0-4h) and C_(Max)) of vitamins B6, B12 and C], mineral absorption [rate of absorption (t_(Max)) and overall absorption (AUC_(0-4h) and C_(Max)) of minerals calcium, iron and zinc], and GI questionnaire scores (abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, gas, bowel movements, gurgling noises and overall well-being).

Efficacy endpoints generally consist of changes in efficacy variables from baseline to four hours post product administration following 14 days of product use. These changes (endpoints) are then be compared between the two products.

Statistical Methods:

For each efficacy endpoint (amino acid, vitamin, and mineral blood concentration), the following non-compartmental pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters are calculated:

-   -   C_(Max) The maximum concentration observed during the four         post-dose samples;     -   t_(Max) the time at which the maximum concentration was         observed;     -   AUC_(0-4h) the area under the concentration-vs-time curve above         the baseline (time 0) concentration, integrated from time 0 to 4         hours post-dose, by trapezoidal-rule quadrature.

All safety and efficacy variables are summarized by time point and by product. Numerical variables are presented as mean, standard deviation, count, median, and range (minimum to maximum value). Changes from the appropriate baseline are summarized and presented in the same way. Numerical variables and their changes from baseline are displayed graphically, as plots of mean value vs. time, with separate lines for the two products (probiotic vs. placebo). Categorical variables are presented as tabulations of counts and percentages of totals.

For each continuous variable, the mean change from baseline to each subsequent time point are tested for nominal significance by the paired Student t test, or by the non-parametric Wilcoxon test if non-normally distributed. The mean differences in the variable, or in the change in that variable from baseline, between the different products are tested for nominal significance by the paired Student t test or by the non-parametric Wilcoxon test if non-normally distributed. For each categorical variable, difference in the distribution of categories between the different product groups are tested for nominal significance by the Fisher Exact test if possible, or by the Chi-Square test if necessary.

Adverse events (AEs) are listed, Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) encoded, grouped by general type of event (gastrointestinal, neurologic, cardiac, etc.), and cross-tabulated by event type and product. Differences in AE patterns between the two products are tested by the Fisher Exact test. Subjective remarks are categorized to the extent possible, and analyzed for pattern differences between the two products in the same way as AE's.

The pharmacokinetic endpoints (C_(Max), t_(Max), and AUC_(0-4h)) after 14 days of product use are tested for significance between the two products by a repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) for each endpoint, where the value of the variable at each point in time is the repeated dependent variable, and the product identification (GANEDEN BC-30™, Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086+Protein or Placebo) is the main factor. If the efficacy variables are not normally distributed, and cannot be normalized by logarithmic or other transformations, then between-product testing are carried out using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test.

Assuming 15% attrition during the course of the study, there are about 8 or 9 analyzable subjects remaining in the per-protocol population. To have 80% power to obtain significance (p≦0.05) when testing a change over time (over 14 days of product use) within a product group, the mean change is about equal to about 15% larger than the standard deviation of the changes (a “1.15-sigma” effect size). To show that there was a significant difference between the two products, the mean difference is about 65% larger than the within-group variability of the endpoint (a “1.65-sigma” effect size).

Each efficacy endpoint is considered an independent question of interest, and is tested independently at the 0.05 alpha level (p≦0.05 required for a conclusion of statistical significance). Multiple testing is taken into account when the results of the efficacy analyses are interpreted by the statistician in the Final Statistical Report.

Study Population Inclusion Criteria

-   -   1. Male subjects, aged 21 to 60 years     -   2. Subject is able to understand and sign the informed consent         to participate in the study.     -   3. Subject is willing and able to comply with the protocol         including:         -   a. Attending three visits;         -   b. Refraining from eating any yogurt or lacto-fermented             beverages during the study;         -   c. Refraining from using any dietary supplements or             nutritionals during the study;         -   d. Not taking any new vitamin and/or mineral supplements             until after study completion and refraining from taking any             vitamin and/or minerals supplements for 24 hours prior to             the test visits.

Exclusion Criteria

-   -   1. Subject has any of the following medical conditions:         -   a. active heart disease         -   b. uncontrolled high blood pressure (≧140/90 mmHg)         -   c. renal or hepatic impairment/disease         -   d. Type I or II diabetes         -   e. bipolar disorder         -   f. Parkinson's disease         -   g. unstable thyroid disease         -   h. immune disorder (such as human immune deficiency virus             (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS))         -   i. psychiatric disorders (hospitalized within the past one             year)         -   j. any medical condition deemed exclusionary by the             Principal Investigator (PI)     -   2. Subject has a history of cancer (except localized skin cancer         without metastases) within five years prior to screening.     -   3. Subject has a history of or currently has any         gastrointestinal disease or disorder or any inflammatory bowel         condition such as Crohn's disease, short bowel, ulcerative         colitis, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).     -   4. Subject is lactose intolerant (self-professed or diagnosed).     -   5. Subject has had any stomach or intestinal surgery (i.e.         gastric bypass).     -   6. Subject takes on a regular basis (defined as two or more         times per week) any prescription or over-the counter medications         for diarrhea, constipation, heartburn or any other         gastrointestinal problems.     -   7. Subject is currently taking laxatives or has taken laxatives         within the 30 days prior to screening/enrollment.     -   8. Subject is currently taking antibiotics (or any drug that         significantly interferes with bacterial flora) or has taken         antibiotics within the 60 days prior to screening/enrollment.     -   9. Subject is currently taking or has used in the past 30 days         probiotics/prebiotics (including yogurt and lacto-fermented         beverages) or any digestive enzymes [prescription or         over-the-counter (OTC)]. Thirty-day washout allowed.     -   10. Subject is on an unstable dose of medication (defined as         fewer than 90 days at the same dose).         -   a. Anti-hypertensives and anti-hyperlipidemic medications ok             if stable dose.     -   11. Subject is currently taking any medication deemed         exclusionary by PI.     -   12. Subject has an allergy to soy, milk, chocolate or any of the         ingredients in the test product.     -   13. Subject has a history of drug or alcohol abuse in the past         12 months.     -   14. Subject has begun/stopped smoking ≦6 months ago OR has plans         to begin/quit smoking.     -   15. Subject has any condition or abnormality that, in the         opinion of the investigator, would compromise the safety of the         subject or the quality of the study data.     -   16. Subject is participating or has participated in another         research study within 30 days prior to the screening visit.

Concomitant Medications and Other Substances Substances Permitted During the Study

Subjects may take the following substances during their participation in this study:

-   -   Vitamins and/or minerals subject was taking prior to starting         the study (same frequency as prior to study start). However,         subjects cannot take any vitamins and/or minerals for the 24         hours prior to the test visits. If the subject was not         previously taking vitamins and/or minerals, he is asked to not         start taking any during the study.     -   Thyroid hormone replacement therapy, if drug and dose are         unchanged for at least 90 days before screening and throughout         the study.     -   Antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic medications, if drug and         dose are unchanged for at least 90 days before screening and         throughout the study.

Substances not Permitted During the Study

Subjects may not take the following substances for at least 60 days prior to the screening/randomization visit (visit 1) or throughout the study. Any subject taking these substances during the study is evaluated by the PI.

-   -   All oral antibiotics including: Amoxil®, Trimox® (amoxicillin),         Cipro® (ciprofloxacin), Flagyl® (metronidazole), Doxy-100®         (doxycyline) and Bactrim® Double Strength         (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole).     -   Any medications that significantly interfere with bacterial         flora         Subjects may not take the following substances for at least 30         days prior to the screening/randomization visit (visit 1) or         throughout the study. Any subject taking these substances during         the study is evaluated by the PI.     -   Laxatives: psyllium husk (Metamucil), methylcellulose         (Citrucel), polycarbophil, docusate (Colace, Diocto), mineral         oil, sodium phosphate (and variants), magnesium citrate,         magnesium hydroxide (Milk of magnesia), magnesium sulfate (which         is Epsom salt), glycerin suppositories, sorbitol, lactulose, and         polyethylene glycol (PEG)     -   Digestive enzymes: Cotazym, Creon, Pancrease, Digex, Dygase,         Gastrinex, Hi-Vegi-Lip, Ku-Zyme, Kutrase, Lactaid, Lapase,         Lipram, Palcaps 10, Pan-2400, Pancreatin, Pancrecarb,         Pangestyme, Panocaps, Panokase, Sucraid, SureLac, Ultrase,         Viokase, Zenpep     -   All dietary and herbal supplements including:         -   Probiotic products (including fortified foods): Acidophilus,             Bacid, Flora-Q, Florastor, Novaflor, RisaQuad,             Superdophilus, GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans ATCC             Designation Number PTA-6086), LAFTI B94, LAFTI L10, LAFTI             L26, Bifiene, Align, Howaru Bifido, ProBactrix, Mutaflor,             Actimel/DanActive, Cultura, Yakult, Lactobacillus fortis,             GoodBelly/ProViva/TuZen, LGG, Vifit, Verum, DiarSafe, Bion             Flore Intime, Jarrow, Fem-Dophilus, Florajen3, Bio-K,             CL1285, A'Biotica;         -   Prebiotic products (including fortified foods): lactulose,             lactitol oligofructose, inulin, galacto-oligosaccharides,             tagatose, isomaltooligosaccharides, polydextrose,             maltodextrin, fructo-oligosaccharides, arabinogalactan,             polyols-lactulose;         -   Those supplements purported to improve GI health including             dandelion, devil's claw, feverfew, ginger, goldenseal, lemon             balm, peppermint, roman chamomile, turmeric, valerian,             yarrow, mastic gum, dill, caraway, anise, cumin.

Diet

Subjects are required to fast (no food or beverage other than water, no caffeine) for eight hours prior to visits 2 and 3. Subjects are asked to refrain from alcohol for the 24 hours prior to visits 2 and 3. Subjects are not allowed to eat yogurt or to drink lacto-fermented beverages throughout the study period. Examples of lacto-fermented beverages include kefir (water and dairy), kambucha, kvass, cider and ginger ale.

Subjects are not allowed to use protein powders (e.g. whey, soy, hemp, pea, rice) while participating in the study.

Subjects are not allowed to eat/drink foods and beverages high in vitamin C for 24 hours prior to the test visits. Examples of foods and beverages high in vitamin C include citrus fruits (such as oranges and grapefruit) and their juices, red and green pepper, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupe, baked potatoes, and tomatoes.

Other than this, subjects are allowed to continue their normal diet.

Exercise

Subjects are asked to refrain from exercise for the 24 hours prior to visits 2 and 3. Subjects are allowed to continue their usual exercise routine.

Product Ingredients

The following lists of ingredients are provided.

Product 1: GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086)+Protein

1 billion CFU GANEDEN BC-30™ (Bacillus coagulans ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086) and 23 g of whey protein (whey protein isolate (WPI) >90) in 30 g of powder, chocolate flavor.

Product 2: Protein (Placebo)

23 g of whey protein (WPI>90) in 30 g of powder, chocolate flavor.

Nutrition Facts for the Whey Protein Powder

Serving Size: 1 Packet Amount Per Serving Calories 130 Calories from fat 25 % Daily Value* Total Fat 2.5 g 4% Saturated Fat 1 g 5% Trans Fat 0 g Cholesterol 65 mg 22%  Sodium 50 mg 2% Potassium 170 mg 5% Total Carbohydrate 3 g 1% Dietary Fiber 1 g 4% Sugars 1 g Protein 23 g 46%  Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 10%  Iron <2%  *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Ingredients:

Whey Protein Concentrate (Whey Protein Concentrate, Soy Lecithin), Whey Protein Isolate, Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali), Natural & Artificial Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose.

At the test visits, subjects are provided a multiple vitamin with mineral supplement. The supplement that is used is the One A Day® Men's Health Formula.

The Ingredients in the One a Day Men's Health Formula

Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ascorbic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Gelatin, Maltodextrin; Less than 2% of: Beta-Carotene, Biotin, Cholecalciferol, Chromium Chloride, Crospovidone, Cupric Oxide, Cyanocobalamin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Folic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Lycopene, Manganese Sulfate, Niacinamide, Phytonadione, Polyethylene Glycol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Selenate, Soybean Oil, Starch, Stearic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate, Triacetin, Vitamin A Acetate and Zinc Oxide.

Product Dosing

Product administration instructions: Subjects are instructed to take one packet per day, at approximately the same time of day.

Preparation instructions: Mix one packet with six to eight ounces of cold water, milk or subject's preferred beverage for 20 to 30 seconds in a shaker or blender.

Subjects are instructed to start taking the first study product the day after visit 1. Subjects are instructed to not take the study product prior to coming in for visits 2 and 3 (i.e. not take study product the morning of visits 2 and 3). Subjects are required to take the study product on site for visits 2 and 3. Subjects are instructed to start the second study product the day after visit 2. Subjects cannot take anything the evening of visit 2. Subjects are instructed to bring the remaining product to all visits.

Product Administration Instructions

Take one packet per day, at approximately the same time of day; mix with 6 to 8 ounces of water, milk or favorite beverage and shake/blend for 20 to 30 seconds.

The product is packaged so that the subject is provided only the quantity needed for the time between visits (14 days) plus product to cover the window (additional three days of product).

Product Compliance

Compliance is measured via the packet counting method. By documenting the number of calendar days between visits and the number of packets that should have been taken, compliance is calculated. The subject's compliance is recorded (as a % of prescribed amount) for each product and this compliance % is used to establish the subject's eligibility for inclusion in the populations (Safety, Intent-to-Treat, and/or Per-Protocol) used for analysis of the study's results, in accordance with the criteria specified below.

For visits 2 and 3, product administration are performed on site. Documentation is done in each subject's source confirming product administration.

Randomization

The consulting statistician develops a randomization schedule and create a randomization log for use at the investigative site. To minimize the effect of treatment sequence (carry-over, training, fatigue, seasonality, etc.) on safety and efficacy endpoints, the active product (A) and placebo (B) are administered to each subject in one of the two possible sequences: A-B or B-A. Block-2 randomization is used, so that the two possible product sequences are shuffled into random order for assignment for the first two subjects, then shuffled again into a different random permutation for assignment to the next two subjects, and so on for the remaining subjects to be enrolled (plus additional spare product).

Study Procedures Informed Consent

An informed consent form (ICF) is written in accordance with established criteria of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the appropriate federal regulations (eg, 21 CFR Parts 50 and 56) to describe the study plan, procedures, and risks. The investigator and the IRB must all approve the ICF and any ICF amendments or administrative changes before they are used.

Investigators ensure that each subject is clearly and fully informed of the purpose, potential risks, and requirements of study participation. Written informed consent must be obtained from each subject before performing any screening or other study procedures.

Medical History

A Medical History is performed at the screening visit to collect information on past and current medical conditions, surgical history, allergy information, and concomitant or recently taken (in the past 90 days) medications including over the counter (OTC) non-prescription products, nutritional supplements, herbals, and investigational products.

Physical Examination

Subjects undergo a full physical examination at screening for determining eligibility.

Vital Signs

At each visit, subjects have blood pressure and heart rate measured.

The following guidelines are used for the blood pressure and heart rate: subjects sit in a chair, resting, for at least five minutes prior to taking the measurements. Measurements are done with subjects in a seated position and the subject's left arm is used.

Study Questionnaires

-   -   Dichotomous Questionnaire—the following is administered at         visits 2 and 3. Each subject is asked:         -   Did you:             -   Not eat or drink any foods or beverages other than water                 or have caffeine for the eight hours prior to the visit?             -   Eat or drink any foods or beverages high in vitamin C in                 the past 24 hours?             -   Drink any alcoholic beverages in the past 24 hours?             -   Take any vitamin and/or mineral supplements in the past                 24 hours?             -   Exercise in the past 24 hours?             -   Use any new vitamin and/or mineral supplements since the                 screening visit?             -   Use any protein powder other than the study product                 since the screening visit?             -   Use any dietary supplements, any probiotics, or                 prebiotics since 30 days prior to the screening visit?             -   Eat or drink any yogurt or lacto-fermented beverages                 since 30 days prior to the screening visit?             -   Did you take the study product today?         -   If subject answers “yes” to any of the above questions, the             subject is discontinued as per PI discretion and/or a             protocol deviation is recorded.     -   GI Questionnaire—a six-part questionnaire regarding general         well-being and gastrointestinal symptoms is administered at         visits 1, 2 and 3. Subjects are asked, “how often in the past         two weeks have you” experienced various GI symptoms with answer         choices of “all of the time, most of the time, sometimes, a         little and never”. Subjects are asked to rate how they feel         overall with answer choices of “better, same and worse”. See,         e.g., Worthley et al., 2009 Am J Clin Nutr, 90: 578-586. For         example, the following questions are asked:     -   1) How often in the past week have you had pain in the abdomen?     -   2) How often in the past week have you experienced abdominal         bloating?     -   3) How often in the past week have you been troubled by         excessive passage of gas through the anus?     -   4) How often in the past week have you been troubled by frequent         of loose bowel movements?     -   5) How often in the past week have you been troubled by         excessive gurgling noises from the abdomen?     -   6) In comparison to how you felt at the start of the study, over         the past week, have you felt better, worse or the same?

Protein and Micronutrient Absorption Test

The following test is performed at visits 2 and 3 to assess the effects of the products on protein, vitamin and mineral absorption.

The following is performed to standardize the testing conditions:

-   -   The test is performed after an eight hour fast;     -   Subjects are not physically active during the test;     -   No smoking is allowed during the test.

Test Procedure:

-   -   Collect the baseline blood sample (0 hours) for the evaluation         of the baseline levels of various amino acids and select         vitamins and minerals.     -   Provide subject with the multiple vitamin with mineral         supplement (can be taken with water or the study product).     -   Provide subject with the study product which is to be consumed         within 10 minutes.     -   Timing of the test is from when the subject begins to drink the         study product.     -   Collect blood samples at 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours for the evaluation         of the absorption of the amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

During the Time Between Blood Draws:

-   -   Subjects are primarily sitting.     -   Subjects are allowed to walk around the site to use the rest         room and to stretch but are not allowed to do any additional         physical activity.     -   Subjects are allowed to do restful activities such as read,         listen to music with earphones, watch television, work on the         computer or rest/sleep.     -   Subjects are not allowed to eat or drink anything other than         water.

Descriptive Summarization

For each efficacy endpoint (amino acid, vitamin, and mineral blood concentration), the following non-compartmental pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters is calculated:

-   -   C_(Max) The maximum concentration observed during the four         post-dose samples;     -   t_(Max) the time at which the maximum concentration was         observed;     -   AUC_(0-4h) the area under the concentration-vs-time curve above         the baseline (time 0) concentration, integrated from time 0 to 4         hours post-dose, by trapezoidal-rule quadrature.

All safety and efficacy variables are summarized by time point and by product. Numerical variables are presented as mean, standard deviation, count, median, and range (minimum to maximum value). Changes from the appropriate baseline are summarized and presented in the same way. Numerical variables and their changes from baseline are displayed graphically, as plots of mean value vs. time, with separate lines for the two products (probiotic vs. placebo). The graphs may contain vertical error-bars around the mean values, indicated standard errors of the mean, if, in the opinion of the statistician, this would make the graphs more informative. Categorical variables are presented as tabulations of counts and percentages of totals.

For each continuous variable, the mean change from baseline to each subsequent time point are tested for nominal significance by the paired Student t test, or by the non-parametric Wilcoxon test if non-normally distributed.

For each continuous variable at each time point, the mean differences in the variable, or in the change in that variable from baseline, between the different products are tested for nominal significance by the paired Student t test or by the non-parametric Wilcoxon test if non-normally distributed.

For each categorical variable, difference in the distribution of categories between the different product groups are tested for nominal significance by the Fisher Exact test if possible, or by the Chi-Square test if necessary.

All p-values appearing in these summarizations is considered descriptive, not inferential. No final statistical conclusions are drawn from them, but they are referred to in the interpretation of the changes.

Statistical Analysis Safety and Efficacy Variables and Endpoints

Safety variables consist of adverse events and subjective remarks.

Safety endpoints consist of the changes in the safety variables listed above with each product following 14 days of treatment.

There is no formal safety objective.

Efficacy variables consist of protein absorption [rate of absorption (t_(Max)) and overall absorption (AUC_(0-4h) and C_(Max)) of blood amino acids], vitamin absorption [rate of absorption (t_(Max)) and overall absorption (AUC_(0-4h) and C_(Max)) of vitamins B6, B12 and C], mineral absorption [rate of absorption (t_(Max)) and overall absorption (AUC_(0-4h) and C_(Max)) of minerals calcium, iron and zinc], and GI questionnaire scores (abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, gas, bowel movements, gurgling noises and overall well-being).

Efficacy endpoints generally consist of changes in efficacy variables from baseline to four hours post product administration following 14 days of product use. These changes (endpoints) are then compared between the two products.

Other Embodiments

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

The patent and scientific literature referred to herein establishes the knowledge that is available to those with skill in the art. All United States patents and published or unpublished United States patent applications cited herein are incorporated by reference. All published foreign patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. Genbank and NCBI submissions indicated by accession number cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. All other published references, documents, manuscripts and scientific literature cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. 

1-33. (canceled)
 34. A method for increasing the muscle development, strength, or lean body mass of an animal, comprising administering to said animal a composition comprising protein and isolated Bacillus coagulans bacteria, wherein (a) said isolated Bacillus coagulans bacteria are present as at least 75% spores; and (b) said composition comprises at least 20% protein by weight, wherein said animal is not a human, thereby increasing the muscle development, strength, or lean body mass of said animal.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the muscle development of said animal is increased.
 36. The method of claim 34, wherein the strength of said animal is increased.
 37. The method of claim 34, wherein the lean body mass of said animal is increased.
 38. The method of claim 34, wherein said animal is a primate, a mouse, a rat, a dog, a cat, a cow, a horse, or a pig.
 39. The method of claim 34, wherein said animal is a livestock animal.
 40. The method of claim 34, said animal is a performance animal.
 41. The method of claim 34, wherein said performance animal is a horse or a dog.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein said performance animal is a race horse.
 43. The method of claim 41, wherein said performance animal is a work dog.
 44. The method of claim 34, wherein said composition comprises at least 25% protein by weight.
 45. The method of claim 34, wherein the absorption of said protein is increased in said animal by at least 10% as compared to the absorption of said protein after administration of protein in the absence of Bacillus coagulans.
 46. The method of claim 34, wherein the absorption of a vitamin is increased in said subject as compared to the absorption of said vitamin after administration said vitamin in the absence of Bacillus coagulans, wherein said vitamin comprises vitamin A, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₃, vitamin B₅, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₇, vitamin B₉, vitamin B₁₂, or vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, or vitamin K₁.
 47. The method of claim 34, wherein the absorption of a chemical element is increased in said subject as compared to the absorption of said chemical element after administration of said chemical element in the absence of Bacillus coagulans, wherein said chemical element comprises sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, or zinc.
 48. The method of claim 34, wherein said composition further comprises a vitamin supplement or mineral supplement.
 49. The method of claim 34, wherein said composition further comprises an omega-3 fatty acid.
 50. The method of claim 34, wherein said isolated Bacillus coagulans bacteria is present as at least 90% spores.
 51. The method of claim 34, wherein said protein comprises whey protein, casein protein, egg albumin protein, soy protein, pea protein, hemp seed protein, or rice protein.
 52. The method of claim 34, wherein said protein comprises whey protein.
 53. The method of claim 34, wherein said isolated Bacillus coagulans bacteria are selected from the group consisting of GBI-30 strain bacteria (ATCC Designation Number PTA-6086), GBI-20 strain bacteria (ATCC Designation Number PTA-6085), and GBI-40 strain bacteria (ATCC Designation Number PTA-6087). 